OUR second look at Showcase Spectacular, the forthcoming entertainment in aid of the Mayor's Charities, spotlights the Townrow Tappers and Off Centre Theatre.
The Townrow Tappers started several years ago, when Margaret Townrow was running Monmouth School of Dance; the School was most successful and several local pupils went on to professional dance schools.
When she retired her "ladies" gently leaned on her until she agreed to keep running the adults advanced Tap class. Such is the group's commitment and enthusiasm, (or maybe just fear of "She who must be obeyed") that they frequently get together outside class and rehearsal times, in order to practice.
They continue to enter examinations (and pass with flying colours) and are highly-seasoned "troupers" who have given many memorable performances in Monmouth, all for charity, under the name of the Townrow Tappers. All are pupils of long-standing and have progressed to a very high standard of tap dancing.
The Tappers - Margaret Townrow, Georgie Hancocks, Lesley Maddox, Maggie Stanger and Jan Lightly are occasionally joined by Sharon James, studies permitting. Mrs T never has any hesitation in accepting, on their behalf, a chance to perform in public - the ladies' motto is "have shoes, will dance".
Off Centre Theatre, formed in 1986, is a leading provider of amateur theatre in Monmouth and has also toured with plays and Summer Shows throughout the county. In recent years their productions have been presented, mostly, at HMSG with the annual Pantomime being a regular "sell out".
OCT will be adding variety to the evening's entertainment with several comedy items including their infamous "Flabba" skit from 1997 (Abba as you never imagined them), the outrageous Pregnant Men sketch, last seen in Monmouth in1994 and the hilarious Schoolroom Sketch from last year's Camel Tour. This last madcap routine is aptly being reprised in support of and in keeping with the show's focus on the younger generation.
The Junior Section of OCT will recall the success of the recent Junior Pantos with the "Steps" and "S Club 7" dance routines.
Showcase Spectacular will be held on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, March 2nd, and third in the hall of the Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls in aid of the Mayor's Charities - Waldbronn Twinning Association, Bridges, MONday Appeal and RNLI.
The music, comedy and cance, is being performed by pupils of Monmouth School, Monmouth Comprehensive School and the Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls, supported by contributions from Monmouth Operatic Society, Off Centre Theatre as well as the Townrow Tappers.
Tickets are now on sale priced £5 (£4 concessions) from the Monmouth Cycle Centre, Beaufort Arms Court: telephone Monmouth 772779. During the closure of the shop for annual holidays, tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the Shire Hall.